Metro Denver CoC

Spotlight on Outreach Coordination and Coverage

Background

Metro Denver Continuum of Care (CoC) joined Built for Zero (BFZ) in 2015, focused on ending veteran homelessness. This metro area, home to nearly three million residents, encompasses the most populous parts of Colorado and is predominantly urban and suburban. Recognizing that policies and strategies effective in urban Denver County might not serve suburban areas, the lead agency opted for a subregional approach rather than treating the entire CoC as a single entity.

In 2021, the CoC was divided into nine subregions to better address the unique needs of each county. While many of the policies and procedures are standardized across the CoC, their approach to inactivity is nuanced, taking into account the specific needs of each subregion. The CoC utilizes Clarity Bitfocus HMIS and has a shared instance that allows each of the four CoCs in Colorado to view activity across the state. To date, six out of the nine subregions in Metro Denver CoC have achieved quality data for veterans, and one subregion has reached functional zero for veterans.

Inactive policy 

The CoC generally observes a 90-day inactive policy for veterans who lose contact with the system. However, Douglas County, which borders two other CoCs along the I-25 corridor, has implemented a 60-day inactive policy. Through data analysis, the community discovered that while 90 days is suitable for other Metro Denver subregions, Douglas County’s proximity to areas with more robust homeless response services necessitated a tailored approach.

The statewide instance of HMIS allowed local leaders to identify that many veterans experiencing homelessness are merely passing through the area. Their interactions with homeless services tend to be brief, often occurring as they move toward neighboring subregions to the north and other CoCs to the south, like Colorado Springs and Pueblo in the Colorado Balance of State. This insight informed the decision to shorten the inactive period, allowing the community to better reflect the realities of veterans navigating the local system.

By adopting an inactive policy that aligns with local conditions, the by-name dataset remains more accurate. This improves resource allocation, ensuring that veterans can be effectively matched with available services. Data supports this approach, as the community has consistently observed no more than one veteran returning to homelessness after a period of inactivity each month.

Though Douglas County observes a shortened inactive threshold for veterans who lose contact with the system, leadership maintains close relationships with the legal and medical systems to ensure veterans in institutional settings remain on the by-name dataset until they have been in these settings for more than 90 days, in accordance with HUD guidelines.

All nine subregions recognize a process that allows veterans to be moved to inactive status before reaching the standard threshold. This can occur if a veteran temporarily moves in with a friend or family member, leaves the CoC, or passes away. Additionally, veterans staying in a hotel or motel without a subsidy for more than seven days are considered inactive.

Monitoring protocol 

The CoC observes robust inactive monitoring protocols to ensure the standard is implemented consistently and accurately. When a veteran becomes inactive due to a lack of contact and an inability to locate them, the exit destination is recorded as “no exit interview completed.” 

Each month, on the 25th, the by-name dataset is reviewed, and program staff are alerted about any veterans approaching the inactive threshold. It is then the responsibility of staff within the veteran’s active program to attempt contact before the veteran is officially moved to inactive status. Staff utilize all available means to reach the veteran, including phone calls and in-person visits. They also review the veteran’s activity in the HMIS, discuss them during case conferencing, consult with other service providers, and may add the veteran to the weekly VA outreach list.

The Veteran By Name List Inactive Policy & Procedures provides comprehensive guidelines for adjusting a veteran’s status to inactive prior to reaching the inactive threshold, especially if there is evidence that the veteran is no longer literally homeless in the area. Status changes can occur through two primary channels: during weekly veteran case conferencing where staff report changes in veteran status, and through the review of all active veterans conducted on the 25th of each month. Veterans confirmed to no longer be experiencing homelessness in the area are promptly moved to inactive status.

Policy impact

The proactive approach of Metro Denver CoC’s inactive monitoring practice not only maintains an accurate by-name dataset but also significantly enhances the community’s ability to effectively allocate resources. A robust inactive policy and accompanying monitoring procedures are crucial for ensuring the dataset reflects the current status of veterans navigating the homeless response system.

By implementing tailored policies for each subregion, the CoC gains a clearer understanding of veterans’ journeys toward stable housing. This insight is essential for identifying service gaps and creating targeted interventions to support veterans at various stages.

Moreover, the commitment to regular data reviews and outreach efforts highlights the community’s dedication to maintaining contact with veterans. Ongoing engagement fosters trust and enables timely interventions when veterans are at risk of becoming inactive. The low rates of return to homelessness underscore the effectiveness of these efforts, suggesting that ongoing support and monitoring lead to better housing stability for veterans.

Ultimately, the CoC’s focus on accurate data collection and monitoring empowers stakeholders to make informed decisions about resource allocation and service provision. This comprehensive approach not only enhances individual outcomes but also contributes to the broader goal of ending veteran homelessness in across the state. By ensuring that the by-name dataset accurately reflects veterans’ circumstances, the community can adapt its strategies to better meet their needs. Consequently, the CoC is not merely tracking homelessness; it is actively shaping a supportive system that guides veterans toward stability, fostering a more resilient community for all.